There have been a few great additions during this portal cycle for Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats; among the best is Dante Dowdell. The Wildcats had no rushers last season that recorded more than 600 yards. By picking up Dowdell, they now have a 600+ yard rusher. Here's the kicker: he wasn't the only one featured back in the Nebraska offense. He was part of a committee that saw lots of opportunities. However, he was the Corn Huskers' best back and is now a Wildcat.
Oliver Vandervoort, a Nebraska expert who runs the site huskercorner.com, is frustrated that Nebraska let Dowdell go, and he's baffled that it's to Kentucky.
"Did Kentucky really outbid the Nebraska football program? Was it just a promise of a first shot at a starting spot? Dowdell is a Picayune, Mississippi native so maybe it’s just about getting closer to his home town. But this move is a head-scratcher."Oliver Vandervoort, Huskercorner.com
Vandervoort notes that Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule mentioned that he wasn't surprised by Dowdell's departure and even that there was a destination in mind. "Rhule briefly addressed Dowdell’s departure on Friday, and he said that he wasn’t surprised the running back left because he basically had his landing spot lined up before he entered the portal." This is an interesting nugget for Kentucky fans, as Stoops' portal strategy seems to have a clear strategy.
Stoops is loading up to run the ball and do much more. Brand new line, run blocking tight end and wide receiver, and a power back in Dowdell to compliment the slash and cut back of Jamarion Wilcox. The frustration of a Nebraska site should make Kentucky fans even more excited for Dowdell.
"Dowdell has to do what’s best for him. This isn’t about being mad that he’s leaving. Or second guessing his decision. It’s just honestly confounding. "Oliver Vandervoort, Huskercorner.com
Kentucky finally won a recruiting battle and they now have a back that left another program frustrated that they lost this player. This is good news, Kentucky fans.